Re: What to expect as you age?

PodyPo · ‎01-31-2011

I am 67, had cancer and chemo and radiation at 59. Ever since then, I have not one day waked up refreshedd from sleep or felt energetic the way I used to. I have pain every single day. I work at a creative, non-physical job and hope to do so for a long time.

I think we just have to adapt to whatever and however we feel, and do the best we can.

OnlyShopsOnline · ‎03-09-2010

I don’t know what’s normal for my age. I’ll be 60 in a few weeks. But I’ve been dealing with chronic disease since my late 30’s. And I had a thyroidectomy last year and am still trying to get my medication dose right.

I have some decent days and some really bad days. And as another poster commented, my priorities are different. If I want to work on my needlework or quilt, on a particular day, that’s what I do. If I need a day to rest, that’s what I do.

There is no way I can do household chores like I used to. My husband does the scrubbing and heavy work. And I do things as I can, and when they need to be done. Instead of cleaning the whole house, from top to bottom, in two days, it’s a constant work in progress. One day, all I may do is dust the blinds in the house. Over another few days, I’ll do a little dusting or vacuuming. Or, I’ll spend a week cleaning windows.

It it all eventually gets done, and my abilities certainly have changed; but so have my priorities.

"I've been here since October 2006. Wow!"

chihuahuamom · ‎06-25-2015

I am 67 and still working (self employed), but fortunately in fairly good health (just the usual aches and pains of my years). I keep my brain active with my music (preparing and performing) every week. I used to walk but have bad calluses that no amount of "good shoes or inserts" seems to help. However, with age comes other unforseen and sad things. I lost my husband and youngest son within 15 months apart as of this year. Now I am not being able to see my only grandchild because of my other son's marriage problems. I am emotionally very fragile and find it is hard to even want to do anything I used to do. Death can happen at any age, but more likely as we get older. The saying "old age ain't for sissies" is so true. I do try to count my blessings (there are many even though sometimes I don't want to see them). We all have problems. Hopefully it makes us stronger.

Catiele · ‎08-20-2012

My mother was one of five girls. One of my Aunt’s husbands used to say they all had problems———a headache, backache, whatever. If someone mentioned going out they all recovered quickly and out they went. That was what kept them active all their lives. My Mom passed at 99 yrs old. She just kept moving. I have had some serious health problems but I hung in there. It’s in the genes? I am in my mid seventies.

Georgiagrama · ‎03-19-2010

@OnlyShopsOnline wrote:
I don’t know what’s normal for my age. I’ll be 60 in a few weeks. But I’ve been dealing with chronic disease since my late 30’s. And I had a thyroidectomy last year and am still trying to get my medication dose right.

I have some decent days and some really bad days. And as another poster commented, my priorities are different. If I want to work on my needlework or quilt, on a particular day, that’s what I do. If I need a day to rest, that’s what I do.

There is no way I can do household chores like I used to. My husband does the scrubbing and heavy work. And I do things as I can, and when they need to be done. Instead of cleaning the whole house, from top to bottom, in two days, it’s a constant work in progress. One day, all I may do is dust the blinds in the house. Over another few days, I’ll do a little dusting or vacuuming. Or, I’ll spend a week cleaning windows.

It it all eventually gets done, and my abilities certainly have changed; but so have my priorities.

@OnlyShopsOnline

Your answer could have been mine. My husband and I work together now on chores, when before, my husband never had to help me. Like you, I do things along as they need to be done. I don't try to do them all at once.

I think the most obvious part of aging, and, the one constant, is that you just don't have the stamina you once had, even if you are in good health. I never in a million years expected that.

I think God granted us an "old age" period of time in which to rest, reflect and be grateful for our lives. I have decided to "lighten up", cut myself some slack and enjoy this time and the people I have in my life. A clean house won't be the memory I hold close to my heart on my deathbed.

OnlyShopsOnline · ‎03-09-2010

@Georgiagrama wrote:

@OnlyShopsOnline wrote:
I don’t know what’s normal for my age. I’ll be 60 in a few weeks. But I’ve been dealing with chronic disease since my late 30’s. And I had a thyroidectomy last year and am still trying to get my medication dose right.

I have some decent days and some really bad days. And as another poster commented, my priorities are different. If I want to work on my needlework or quilt, on a particular day, that’s what I do. If I need a day to rest, that’s what I do.

There is no way I can do household chores like I used to. My husband does the scrubbing and heavy work. And I do things as I can, and when they need to be done. Instead of cleaning the whole house, from top to bottom, in two days, it’s a constant work in progress. One day, all I may do is dust the blinds in the house. Over another few days, I’ll do a little dusting or vacuuming. Or, I’ll spend a week cleaning windows.

It it all eventually gets done, and my abilities certainly have changed; but so have my priorities.
@OnlyShopsOnline

Your answer could have been mine. My husband and I work together now on chores, when before, my husband never had to help me. Like you, I do things along as they need to be done. I don't try to do them all at once.
I think the most obvious part of aging, and, the one constant, is that you just don't have the stamina you once had, even if you are in good health. I never in a million years expected that.
I think God granted us an "old age" period of time in which to rest, reflect and be grateful for our lives. I have decided to "lighten up", cut myself some slack and enjoy this time and the people I have in my life. A clean house won't be the memory I hold close to my heart on my deathbed.

@Georgiagrama Beautifully said! Sometimes I think my current situation has been a blessing. I used to be obsessed with a spotless house and missed out on life too much. Now, I do what needs to be done, when I feel like it. Kitchen and bathrooms have first priority. Other than that, I try to enjoy the moment. I love to spend time with my grandchildren. And, I enjoy my hobbies. Oh....and the stupid Hallmark Christmas movies that are playing right now.

"I've been here since October 2006. Wow!"

Georgiagrama · ‎03-19-2010

@OnlyShopsOnline

Again, you sound like me. I would work myself into a tizzy while my children were playing. I wish now I had stopped obsessing over clean baseboards or a spotless carpet and sat down on the floor and played with them.

No more!! When my granddaughter says "Granma let's build a tent and play like we are camping" I build a tent and get on the floor with her. (Of course now, my husband has to help me up ).

I like to think there is a reason that I have been blessed to grow old. So many have not been given that chance.

viva923 · ‎03-12-2010

as i have aged, i have lost much energy. i am near 70. Is the pills i now have to take daily, or is I am losing my energy to age. who knows.

Knees, climbing steps is harder, i still walk a little bit, (just had some surgery) so can't walk my 2 miles daily as of yet. will get back into that once doctor releases me to walking full time.

Balance is the hardest for me. One of the medication I take daily, one of the side effects is balance can be affected. I can't do things as fast as I once did.

Still clean the house weekly, do clothes washing daily. Can not stand dirty clothes laying aorund and messes around the house, am still particular about how my house looks.

Georgiagrama · ‎03-19-2010

@OnlyShopsOnline

I know this is off topic, but, I thought of you last night as I lay in bed watching a Hallmark Christmas movie - cute movie though, it reminded me of "You've got mail". I thought to myself, "Well, maybe I'm not the only one watching these things"

Trinity11 · ‎11-16-2014

@ID2 wrote:
I don't feel as if I have slowed down. I'm 64 and still go for morning power walks, go hiking, boating, everything else I've ever done in the past. I keep waiting to "slow down" and its just not happening for me.

You should notify the Joslin Clinic @ID2. It is extremely rare for a Type 1 diabetic not to slow down with age. Hiking and boating are difficult being insulin dependent. You will have to share your secrets ....